Carolina Campaign Civil War Markers

The Town of Smithfield has several Carolina Campaign Civil War Trail markers that lead from the Battle of Bentonville site near Four Oaks to Downtown Smithfield. Visitors may follow the trail markers along US Hwy 301 that indicate the march of troops after the battle, which took place on March 19-21, 1865.

The Battle of Bentonville was the last major offensive of the Civil War and the confederate's only serious attempt to stop General Sherman's March from Atlanta.

Marker # 1

Union Line of March, Trails sign at the North Carolina Highway Patrol station on Route 301, one-half mile north of I-95 – Elements of the Union X Corps marched by this spot after leaving Goldsboro April 10 heading northwest toward Raleigh.

Marker # 2

Hastings House, Trails sign at the corner of Front and East Johnston streets in Smithfield – This 1854 home served as headquarters for Confederate Gens. Johnston and Bragg mid-March 1865. From here, Johnston ordered the concentration of forces and the attack March 19 at Bentonville. Johnston returned after the battle, resting his battered army.

Market # 3

Occupation of Smithfield, Trails sign at the Johnston County Courthouse, Second and Market streets – Confederates withdrew from Smithfield April 11, and the town soon was occupied by Union infantry. Sherman established his headquarters at the courthouse, announcing Lee's surrender from its steps.

Historic Hastings House

Built in 1854 for William Hastings, his home served as pre-battle command office for General Joseph E. Johnston, Commander of the Confederate troops to stop General Sherman at the Battle of Bentonville, March 19-21, 1865.

Johnston County Heritage Center

The Johnston County Heritage Center has become known as one of the best equipped facilities in the country for studying local history and genealogy. An extensive collection of public records, manuscripts, family histories, photographs, vintage newspapers, and artifacts have been assembled for scholars, amateur historians, genealogists and students. Students groups will especially enjoy the history tour of the rotating exhibits in the museum on the first floor, followed by a walking tour of Historic Smithfield. Groups and tours require advanced reservations.

Smithfield High School History Room

The A.G. Glenn Building was built in 1903 and housed Smithfield High School from 1913-1922 and 1926-1969. Renovation was completed in 2008 to become a museum and offices for the Johnston County Schools. Visitors will find exhibits of school memorabilia from 1950-1969.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am- 5pm

501 S. Second St.Smithfield, NC 27577919 934-4361

Smithfield Walking Tour

This self guided walking tour originates with the Johnston County Heritage Center - where additional maps can be acquired, or simply print out this version for your historic walk through Smithfield.